Army's Guard builds out ATM video training network

To expand its video training network nationwide, the Army National Guard is buying $2.5 million worth of video equipment.

The guard's 375,000 members in 53 states and territories will receive distance video training over asynchronous transfer mode connections to 700 classrooms.

When not in use, the classrooms will be rented to local groups to defray the costs.

Access NGI video switches from FVC.Com Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif., will provide the main connectivity from the classrooms to the backbone. The company's V-Gate device, an IP-Integrated Services Digital Network-ATM gateway, will provide interoperability between video end-points using multiple platforms.

Col. Philip Vermeer, division chief for the Guard's network, said the equipment will provide a migration path from the current ATM network to IP video, which he said will play an important part in future training plans.

Electronic Data Systems Corp. is the contractor for the network design, integration and support services.